Michigan State basketball: Realistic starting 5 projections for 2023-24

With the 2022-23 Michigan State basketball season officially in the books, fans have already directed their attention at the roster construction for next season and what the starting five could look like.

There are several options for next season’s starting five and there’s depth with Tom Izzo to work with which is a little different than this year — OK, a lot different.

Plus, some key players could decide to return for one final season.

What’s the most realistic looking starting five for next season?

Assuming AJ Hoggard returns next season (I don’t know why he wouldn’t), he’s going to be the team’s starting point guard after being one of the nation’s top assist men.

Hoggard became more of an offensive threat in 2022-23, averaging a career-high 12.9 points to go along with 5.9 assists. He shot 42 percent from the floor, 33 percent from deep, and 80 percent from the free throw line. Just how impressive were those splits? His field goal percentage was about the same from a year ago on over 120 more shot attempts, his 3-point shooting improved by 11 percent, and his free throw shooting improved by 17 percent.

It’s clear that he’s a hard worker and if he continues to improve at a rapid rate, he could be one of the more special point guards that Tom Izzo has ever had.

We’ll see AJ man the point next season and be one of the nation’s best facilitators and, who knows, maybe even a 35 percent 3-point shooter and 14-15 points per game scorer.

This offense should improve as he improves.